Freestyle paddlers converge on the Gorge

The 2012 Freestyle Kayaking World Cup Champion will culminate Sept. 7-9 on the Nantahala River with athletes from more than 17 countries and five continents. Competition will go from about 10 a.m. to around 7 p.m. each day. Spectators can expect shaded riverside seating, a live DJ and event announcer.

Southwestern Community College student volunteers will be hosting kids’ activities riverside near Slow Joe’s Cafe on Saturday afternoon from 1-4 p.m., including face painting, coloring and a variety of games.

There will be free live music on Friday and Saturday evenings after the competition. On Sunday, there will be a riverside awards ceremony.

Parking will be available from remote lots in the Gorge with free shuttles to and from the event site approximately every 10 minutes. Silvermine Road intersects U.S. 19/74 in the Nantahala River Gorge across from the NOC Outfitters Store.